Belararox Targets Untapped Copper Belt with Large-Scale Airborne EM Survey
Belararox Limited has launched a >1,000 km² airborne electromagnetic survey over its Kalahari Copper Project in Botswana, aiming to unlock new copper targets near MMG’s expanding Khoemacau hub. Diamond drilling is planned for May to follow up on promising geophysical anomalies.
- Over 1,000 km² AEM survey focuses on D’Kar Formation near key DKF–NPF copper contact
- Survey covers largely untested northern corridor along strike from MMG’s Khoemacau copper hub
- Advanced Spectrem Plus system maps shallow and deep conductors with high resolution
- Diamond drilling scheduled for May to test high-priority targets identified by survey
- Exploration refreshed with new technical team and refined strategy targeting early success
Large-Scale Airborne EM Survey Targets Untapped Copper Potential
Belararox Limited (ASX:BRX) has kicked off an ambitious airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey spanning more than 1,000 square kilometres at its 100% owned Kalahari Copper Project (KCP) in Botswana’s North-West Province. The survey zeroes in on the D’Kar Formation, specifically a carbonaceous horizon approximately 100 metres above the critical D’Kar–Ngwako Pan (DKF–NPF) contact, a geological feature strongly linked to copper mineralisation across the Kalahari Copper Belt.
This initiative marks the first systematic exploration of a largely untested northern corridor within the KCP tenure, covering PL2743 and PL0770 licences along strike from MMG’s Khoemacau copper hub. Khoemacau, a world-class operation currently producing around 50,000 tonnes of copper annually and undergoing expansion to 130,000 tonnes, sets a high bar for regional prospectivity. Belararox’s survey aims to identify high-quality drill targets by integrating AEM data with detailed magnetic interpretation.
State-of-the-Art Technology to Map Deep Geological Features
The company is deploying the recently upgraded Spectrem Plus Airborne Electromagnetic Time Domain system, which offers enhanced power and resolution to map geological features from near surface down to depths exceeding 700 metres. This dual-depth capability allows Belararox to estimate overburden thickness, delineate fault systems, and locate conductive zones that may indicate copper mineralisation beneath cover; a critical advantage in the Kalahari Copper Belt’s challenging terrain.
Chief Executive Officer Will Dix emphasised the strategic importance of the survey, stating, "We believe that the airborne electromagnetic survey will provide a key pillar of our exploration approach in Botswana, along with detailed magnetic interpretation to provide stratigraphic control prior to drilling later in the June Quarter." The survey is expected to be completed within 10 to 14 days, with diamond drilling to commence in May targeting the most promising anomalies.
Refreshed Exploration Team and Strategy Focus on High-Impact Targets
Belararox has retooled its technical team and refined its exploration strategy following a comprehensive review of its Botswana assets. General Manager Exploration Chris Blaser highlighted the focus on the DKF–NPF contact zone, noting that "Copper deposits within the Kalahari Copper Belt are predominantly associated with the DKF-NPF contact zone. We are applying a proven exploration model used across the Kalahari Copper Belt, focusing on mapping the carbonaceous D’Kar horizon and targeting the highly prospective DKF–NPF contact zone."
The scale of the survey and the application of this model provide a unique opportunity to rapidly unlock value across a large, underexplored landholding. This renewed focus complements Belararox’s ongoing drilling activities at its TMT Project in Argentina, where it is advancing high-grade polymetallic targets at Toro Central. The company’s approach to systematically advancing multiple projects is underscored by recent updates on its ongoing diamond drilling targeting high-grade polymetallic zones at Toro Central, reflecting a balanced pipeline of exploration efforts across continents.
Strategic Location and Future Catalysts
The Kalahari Copper Project’s proximity to the Khoemacau hub, coupled with the extensive size of the survey area, positions Belararox to potentially tap into a significant copper system. With drilling planned to follow swiftly after the AEM survey, the next few months will be critical in determining whether the geophysical anomalies translate into tangible mineralisation.
Investors should watch for the integration of survey results with magnetic data and the subsequent drill outcomes, which will be pivotal in assessing the commercial potential of the KCP. The company’s ability to generate new targets for the next field season in Argentina simultaneously adds an intriguing dimension to its growth prospects.
Bottom Line?
Belararox’s large-scale geophysical campaign could unlock significant copper targets in Botswana, but drill results will be the true test of its exploration strategy.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the airborne EM survey reveal conductors that correlate with economically viable copper mineralisation?
- How effectively will Belararox integrate AEM data with magnetic interpretations to prioritise drill targets?
- Can the company replicate its Argentine exploration momentum in the Kalahari Copper Belt’s distinct geological setting?
